The game exploded into life just three minutes in, with Yuito Suzuki’s clinical finish giving Freiburg the perfect start. Hertha, playing at home, pushed hard for an equalizer. Martin Winkler’s header rattled the frame, and Fabian Reese crossed the line—or so it seemed—before VAR disallowed it amid controversy.

Freiburg’s attackers kept the pressure on, as Derry Scherhunt forced two sharp saves from Tjark Ernst. At the other end, keeper Florian Muller produced a world-class stop on Linus Gechter’s downward header, ensuring parity at halftime.

Post-interval, the action slowed, but extra time brought fireworks. Suzuki pounced on a Gechter mistake in the 96th minute to edge ahead. Hertha refused to yield, with Reese’s thunderous strike in the 104th minute leveling affairs and sending the tie to spot-kicks.

Penalties were a showcase of brilliance and heartbreak. Muller denied Michael Küssens, offsetting Johan Manzambi’s miss for Freiburg. With the score 4-4, Suzuki stepped up once more, and Muller’s decisive save on Pascal Klemens sparked wild celebrations.

This triumph catapults Freiburg into the last four alongside Leverkusen and Stuttgart. Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig battle next for the final semifinal berth, heightening the stakes in Germany’s premier cup competition.